News Sep 4, 2013 at 4:00 am

Despite Snag, Talks for Moving Old Town Homeless Rest Area Push On

Comments

1
I live near the proposed relocation site and like my neighbors believe it's an ill-advised arrangement. The Lovejoy cul de sac is a main pedestrian travel corridor that has always attracted trouble associated with drinking, drug use and camping. The view-blocking hedges was a stupid choice for landscaping. Many people walk in the street instead of on the sidewalk to avoid close interaction with transients, many with bad tempers. The benches along the sidewalk should be removed and the hedges replaced with ground cover. The streetcar passing above is amplified into an earth-shaking high-decibel rumbling below that will disturb the peace and rest that homeless people need. The space below the Lovejoy ramp and Broadway Bridge is dank, dirty and dismal. If the city can't find a more suitable site to relocate Right2Dream too, they're either not looking or they are looking for sites that are more punitive than protective.
2
To respond to your concerns Art Lewallan, you may find that the area surrounding this cul de sac becomes much more safe and comfortable if R2Dtoo relocates there. Right 2 Dream Too has 24 hour security. In the current location, Dreamers have been approached by housed people who were needing safety - you know, women fleeing harassment from some guy at the bar, and the like. Housed and unhoused people in the neighborhood have come to know R2Dtoo as a safe place, and I believe you will too.
There are people without housing currently camping below that bridge, as you have mentioned. Right 2 Dream Too is a community with a code of conduct, and the experience and to talk to other houseless people about respecting the perimeters of their community.
The Dreamers have heard the street car rumble above the bridge. That noise stops long before the mayhem at the bars surrounding the current location. Some people find such rumbling preferable, even relaxing, compared to drunk people screaming and loud music. Bridges provide shelter, which is why you will find many people sleeping under them all over the city. In the case of R2Dtoo, the bridge will provide cover as people go to the port-a-potty, or use the kitchen. It is difficult to get dry and warm when you live outside, and many feel this will be a positive feature. The proposed site is also wheel chair accessible. Since so many people living with disabilities also need emergency shelter, this is an added plus.
If you actually talk with people at R2Dtoo, you will learn more about their vision for providing a safe place, and the realities that they deal with each and everyday. You will gain a new perspective. As a potential neighbor, I hope you can open your mind and your heart. We are already hearing about residents and business owners in the Pearl who have visited R2Dtoo and want to support this amazing community.

Please wait...

Comments are closed.

Commenting on this item is available only to members of the site. You can sign in here or create an account here.


Add a comment
Preview

By posting this comment, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use.